Take a quick glimpse at my ‘To Do’ wedding planning list and you’ll know almost instantly that we’ve got a long way to go before The Big Day. There are venues to see, cakes to try, and of course, The Dress to find. But before I lose myself in the world of taffeta and lace, there is something else I need to deal with first:

I need to get in shape. (There. I said it.)

After six years of life as a student (the bulk of which was spent in front of a computer, writing), I’ve decided that it’s time to get serious about getting fit. And with my wedding a little over a year away, there seems to be no time like the present to get started.

Since the idea of strolling into a gym to chat up a personal trainer is almost enough to make me swear off physical activity all together, a friend of mine was kind enough to put me in touch with her trainer, who was happy to answer all my questions. And when it comes to fitness, David Skelly definitely knows what he’s talking about.

The things that David has accomplished already in his life (he’s in his 20s) make me feel incredibly lazy. After gaining a national diploma in sports therapy (which included personal training, sports massage and injury treatment), he became a qualified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In short, fitness is his life, whereas I am short and fitness is more like a phobia.

While doing pilates in the comfort of my living room certainly has its benefits, David makes me wonder if teaming up with a personal trainer might give me a bit of an edge in terms of getting better results. The good news is that he’s all the way over in Ireland and can’t come here and force me to work out. The bad news is that he’s all the way over in Ireland, and can’t come here and force me to work out.

So, although David can’t be my personal Arnold, he’s left me with some excellent tips to share for finding a personal trainer that’s right for you. Whether you’re shaping up for a special event, or just trying to incorporate health and fitness into your everyday life, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

Don’t be intimidated

Anyone can benefit from working with a personal trainer. Whether it’s your first time in a gym or you’re an elite athlete, you can benefit from the experience and knowledge of a personal trainer. A trainer will act as a coach, role model, educator and cheerleader who will customize a program to fit your needs, budget and schedule.

Know where to look

Finding a trainer is fairly easy. The most common way is to check with your local health club, more often than not they will have a number of trainers on staff for a reasonable cost. Another way is to check with a nationally recognized organization, such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Know the costs

Depending on what you want from your trainer and where you are in the country, you can expect to pay between $25 to $100/hour.  Sometimes to share costs you might be able to bring a buddy along to your sessions. Some health clubs often offer personal training at a reduced price.

Ask the right questions

When looking to hire a trainer it is important to ask a number of questions to get an idea of what the trainer is like, and also to ensure your own safety and satisfaction. Is the trainer certified by a nationally recognized organization? What is the trainer’s experience? Can the trainer provide references? Will the trainer keep records of your workouts and any changes in your medical history? If you are injured or have any other health problems will your trainer communicate with your doctor or physical therapist?

Take your time

If you’re trying to get in shape by a certain deadline, it is best to start early and give yourself plenty of time to reach your goals and to avoid drastic last-minute diets that could have negative effects on your health and well being. Healthy eating and proper exercise is the best way to get in shape, and most of all, to stay in shape.

And of course, if anyone has any hilarious fitness stories to share, I would LOVE to hear them! To quote some of my favourite Canadian fitness icons, “Until next time, keep fit, and have fun!”